3 Leader & Contents 2019.qxp_PROGRESSIVE ELECTRICAL 28/05/2019 19:42 Page 2
Editor’s comment
Switched On! O
ne of the biggest retail success stories in recent years has been that of garden centres and the huge growth in that category as destination shopping centres. Customers flocking to garden centres the length and breadth of the country want to be able to buy everything under one roof – and that now quite rightly includes SDAs. Major UK garden centre chain Dobbies – with 69 stores – is currently leading the charge in this market, having had a great response from customers since it introduced SDAs into the cookshop mix in seven concept stores at the start of 2019 and is now rolling the programme out across the business. As Dobbies’ leisure and homewares buyer, Claire Hutcheon, told PE: “We’re ahead of the trend when it comes to SDAs.” In a tough financial climate for SDAs, with consumers scrutinising spending and product quality more than ever, this ability to think one step ahead and ensure you stand out from the retail competition is now vital for survival on the high street. Savvy retailers are working closely with brands and suppliers on clever merchandising, bespoke shop fits and in-store demos and events – and you’ll find a wealth of inspiration for this at the fifth annual Exclusively Electricals show in June at London’s Business Design Centre. From the latest trends to a wealth of exciting new product launches to new must-see exhibitors, including Soda Stream and Connect/Samsung, you won’t want to miss any of the action. Another name making its show debut is the Smartwares group, including its hugely successful European brand, Princess, which is also celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2019. What better way to mark the occasion then by unveiling Princess’ broad product range at the show, including its selection of air fryers, which are bang on trend when it comes to fast, healthy cooking that is also better for the environment. Other trends which are bound to be making show headlines include the continued popularity of barista coffee and machines that allows consumers to create expert quality 'perks' at home in their own kitchens – as well as saving them money in the long run and ensuring they do their little bit for the planet at the same. Retailers PE has spoken to, from multiples to independents, report that this is a major SDA trend currently driving sales. Another trend is the focus on bringing colour into the kitchen, alongside vintage-inspired styling. The designs combine high-performance SDAs with tried and trusted brands and beautiful finishes – and the Russell Hobbs Eclipse range and award-winning Swan Retro range are testament to this. Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised at this – after all, as Tom Carter from historical family business Potters of Hockley (who we’ve spoken to as part of this issue’s Retailer’s Views feature) quite rightly says: “If a customer is going to spend up to £20,000 on their kitchen, they also want to purchase beautiful products to use in it.” Be sure to enjoy both this issue of PE and, of course, this year’s Exclusively Electricals show. Sarah Welsh, contributing editor
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News From across the SDA and housewares sector.
Company focus Princess from Smartwares Group.
Gfk insights THelen Collins runs the numbers.
Retailer viewpoints Feedback from the front-line.
Company focus KitchenAid's centenary.
SDA experts From the suppliers point of view.
The Chicago report Sarah Seltzer reports from IH+HS 2019.
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Above: Bean there: PE's Jo Howard enjoying a coffee at last year's Exclusively shows, courtesy of Brewed by Hand, distributor of brands, including Wilfa Coffee Makers.
14 Cover Story Princess brand is 25 Princess is a Dutch consumer goods company, owned by the Smartwares Group. This year the Princess brand is celebrating its 25th birthday which is the perfect opportunity for it to launch in the UK. Princess’ exciting and affordable product range is designed to turn daily routines into meaningful moments. Its product portfolio spans domestic appliances, climate and floorcare ranges as well as the unique Social Dining collection which will be debuted at Exclusively Electrical, stand EE45. T: +44 (0)1527 557 700 W: princesshome.co.uk E: sales.uk@smartwaresgroup.com
The Progressive Electricals team: Jo Howard (editor), Sarah Welsh (contributing editor), John Barry (advertisement manager), Emma Cain (product page editor), Mark Grayson (creative director), Jakki Brown (editor in chief) and Rob Willis (publishing director). www.housewaresnews.net, ISSN: 25157493
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